The point of this offseason is for the Seahawks to recapture the toughness that let them make the run they have since drafting QB Russell Wilson in 2012. The name recognition on this team is not going to be as important as attitude. And draft position will not guarantee starts.

QB

Wilson is Wilson. The return to the running game was planned last year too, but after everyone went down to injury all the fantasy points went to Wilson. He may not be top 5 but he should be top 10 in fantasy drafts. The offensive line looks to continue its improvement and will make life easier for Wilson and whoever stays healthy enough to run the ball.

RB

It is easy to forget that these same guys even without the addition of a first round draft pick were good enough last year for Seattle to cut RB Alex Collins. Collins then went on to gain almost 1,000 yards for Baltimore last year. RB Rashaad Penny is not going to be handed the starting role. RB Chris Carson is the guy to beat out right now. Carson was catching people’s eyes during the first 4 games last year before injury. He is coming into camp ready to show that he has fully recovered and should get the rock. RB CJ Prosise looks healthy and RB JD McKissic looks very fast. Prosise especially has shown star potential. I would not rush to grab Penny early in any fantasy drafts. Carson may keep him on the bench.

WR

This is WR Doug Baldwin’s team. I don’t know how WR Brandon Marshall will fit in or how rehabbed he will be. But his name won’t get him starting time here. WR Tyler Lockett is having a good offseason and will need to be pushed back for Marshall to get that playing time. No matter what happens, wide receiver fantasy points have been very hard to predict in Seattle. Who and how many can be completely up for grabs every game. This is a tough position for a fantasy manager but if Lockett is available late in a draft he is a good gamble most weeks at WR3.

TE

So TE Jimmy Graham would usually manage to hold onto a catchable ball when it meant 6 points. But he is gone and this position is all about the running game now. Anyone who may change that will still be on the waiver wire into the season.

K

We will find out if PK Sebastian Janikowski has fully recovered from his back injury and has any more gas in the tank. But he should not draft high and may be left on the waiver wire at the end of some fantasy drafts. Someone has to kick the ball, so picking him up late and cheap is a good strategy.

D

So much change and so much negative media. The LOB may not continue into next year. But the linebackers may be the best group in the Wilson era. Defensive end looks troublesome or promising depending on which way the wind blows. Maybe tackle is in that same light too? Is this a top 5 fantasy defense? Top 10? As a fantasy owner I either want a top 5 team D that I can start every week without having to think or I want two top 10ish teams to rotate based on opponent. I think coming out of the gate Seattle’s D fits into the latter category, but with upside.

End.